Description for Thyme

Thyme is a highly aromatic herb which grows especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. A Mediterranean herb, thyme holds its flavor in cooking and blends well with other flavors of the region, like garlic, olive oil and tomatoes.

Thyme is a low growing, woody perennial. It is extremely fragrant and flavorful and grows well in tough, dry conditions. The pink, lavender or white tubular flowers are very popular with bees. Tiny gray-green leaves remain evergreen. There are about 350 different species.

Planting and care

It s hard to grow thyme from seeds because of slow, uneven germination. ...
For a head start, plant the seeds/cuttings indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.

Sunlight

Soil

Water

Temperature

Fertilizer

Full Sun to Partial Shade

well-drained soil

Dry to medium

70Â°F

Apply any organic fertilizer

Caring for Thyme

Plant the seeds/cuttings 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost in well-drained soil about 9 inches apart.

Harvesting

6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.

Typical uses of Thyme

Special features: Best as a small area ground cover or filler between stepping stones. Will sprawl over small rocks or cascade over ledges in the rock garden. Fills in crevices. Effective for sunny areas of borders, patios and along paths. Bank cover. Edging. Lawn substitute. Containers.

Culinary use:

Thyme is sold both fresh and dried. The fresh form is more flavourful, but also less convenient; storage life is rarely more than a week. While summer-seasonal, fresh greenhouse thyme is often available year round.

Fresh thyme is commonly sold in bunches of sprigs. A sprig is a single stem snipped from the plant. It is composed of a woody stem with paired leaf or flower clusters ("leaves") spaced 1/2 to 1" apart. A recipe may measure thyme by the bunch (or fraction thereof), or by the sprig, or by the tablespoon or teaspoon. Dried thyme is widely used in Armenia (called Urc) in teas.

Medicinal use:

Thymol, an antiseptic, is the main active ingredient in various commercially produced mouthwashes such as Listerine.

Before the advent of modern antibiotics, oil of thyme was used to medicate bandages.

Thymol has also been shown to be effective against various fungi that commonly infect toenails.

A tea made by infusing the herb in water can be used for coughs and bronchitis.
One study by Leeds Metropolitan University found that thyme may be beneficial in treating acne.

Unverified information Thyme Java Tea aqueous extracts have found to be having anti-inflammatory and acetylcholine antagonistic action. Leaf juice has been used by the tribes as a lotion.